Gemma Wright
- Year: 2022
- Location: South West
Over nearly 20 years, Gemma progressed from Floor Runner to 2nd Assistant Director, working on standout TV dramas including Broadchurch, Black Mirror and The Salisbury Poisonings, award-winning feature films such as Judy, as well as Producing several short films. In 2020, she became Assistant to Stephen Merchant for The Outlaws, broadening her knowledge of every aspect of production. She is passionate about improving the industry and making it a happy, fair and positive environment to work in – opening up conversations and removing stigmas about mental health. When not making drama, she loves to watch it on the cricket pitch, being an avid fan and ex Cricket Writer, travelling around the world to watch the game.
“Gemma has a committed, can-do attitude and adapts quickly and intuitively to each new challenge. A respected team-player, she is eager to learn and grow, embracing fresh responsibilities and seeking out chances to contribute creatively. I look forward to seeing where her career takes her next. ”
Stephen Merchant, Writer-Director
Kristina Wade
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Kristina Wade is a documentary Producer and aspiring Director.
They joined the industry wanting to make programmes that explore the importance of intersectional history; in the past two years they have worked on shows as diverse and critically acclaimed as Hair Power: Me and My Afro (C4), Statues Redressed (Sky Arts) and Positive (Sky Documentaries). She is currently in the edit for a new Hulu series.
A passionate and journalistic filmmaker, Kristina credits her upbringing as a 3rd generation immigrant to both Jamaican and Spanish parents as one of her biggest inspirations when it comes to story-telling.
A lover of the Modernist movement you’ll find them either at an art exhibition or upcycling old furniture.
They care about dismantling toxic TV culture, as well as trying to create an authentic space for creatives from low socioeconomic backgrounds in the industry.
“Kristina is one of those rare people that can turn their hand to anything. She's a joy to work with, has absolute integrity and brings her innate understanding of story mechanics to every project she works on. ”
Nelesh Dhand, Netflix, Original Documentary Series.
“Kristina was absolutely CENTRAL to the success of the project – she was the Story Producer, and worked with artists and the filming teams in the most amazing way, keeping everything on track and making sure that the complicated stories we were telling, including many exploring the city’s history at the heart of Empire and the slave trade, were presented in an engaging but rigorous way. She also directed some elements of the programme, and dealt with a great many practical production issues – I couldn’t have been more impressed with her, and very much hope I get the chance to work with her again. she could continue on the directing and producing path, which I know she’d be very successful at – she also often works in development, and is fantastic at coming up with ideas”
Emily Kennedy, Freelance Executive Producer / Director
Laura Taylor
- Year: 2022
- Location: West Midlands
Laura started her career in TV at Tiger Aspect. After a stint of crashing cars as a production runner, few years as an assistant in talent management and working for a book scout she finally gained a role in scripted development in 2019. As an Assistant Producer at Emanata Studios she is working with an array of writers and has an exciting slate of projects that have been commissioned by SKY Studios, funded by the BFI and Screen Scotland.
She lives in Coventry on the same road as her nan and is passionate about producing working class stories.
“Laura is on her way to be becoming a great producer. Kind, passionate, knowledgeable and hardworking, she has a great career ahead of her.”
Mark Talbot, Chief Creative Officer, Emanata Studios
Satema Tarawally
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Satema is a second-generation, British Sierra Leonean South Londoner. Her passion and enthusiasm for people and for creating, have seen her going from presenting on Reprezent radio to forging a successful career as an Assistant Producer on a number of critically acclaimed factual programs and documentaries.
Satema has used the skills she gained in television to produce a play Ethan’s Bell, as well as co-creating the web series phase two. Satema has also produced the podcast 2 Shades of Brown. She’s a keen cook and runs an occasional pop-up restaurant Theresa’s kitchen named after her mother.
Shari De Silva
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Shari is a Production Manager working in documentaries and specialist factual.
She came to London in 2014 for a week of work experience, and accidentally-on-purpose stayed. Since then, Shari has worked on critically acclaimed programmes across the indie world, such as The Mystery of DB Cooper and Inside North Korea’s Dynasty. Her recent documentary ‘Why is Covid Killing People of Colour?’ won the RTS Award for Science and Natural History Programming.
She currently works in-house at PASSION Planet, the natural history arm of award-winning studio PASSION, and can otherwise be found gazing adoringly at the nearest dog.
“Shari is an exceptional talent with incredible organisational skills and attention to detail. The thoughtfulness, passion and commitment that she brings to her work are truly inspiring.”
Clare Lucas, Head of Production, Passion Docs & Passion Planet
Sachelle Connor
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Sachelle is an experienced producer and journalist, who has worked in the television industry for over a decade. She started her career back in 2009 at the BBC and has worked on a variety of programmes over the years including Dragons’ Den / Watchdog / Rogue Traders (BBC) and Gangland / The Sex Business (Channel 5). Her recent projects include producing packages for BBC London News, a 90-minute True Crime special for MTV and she has filmed with some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. Sachelle is a versatile filmmaker who cleverly allows the contributors to determine the narrative.
With an investigative background and an inquisitive demeanour, Sachelle prides herself on telling sensitive stories and gaining access into some of society’s most under-represented communities. She is passionate about the stories she tells and has a natural way of connecting with contributors, obtaining groundbreaking content in many emotionally-charged situations.
Outside of work, Sachelle develops her own programme ideas, travelling around the country shooting and editing taster tapes using her own camera. She also presents a weekly drive-time radio show, demonstrating her love for old school music.
“Sachelle is fantastic with contributors, embraces hard work, is editorially fearless, a pleasure to work alongside and is constantly seeking ways to develop her skillset.”
Paul Blake, CEO & Executive Producer - Maroon Productions
Jodie Ashdown
- Year: 2022
- Location: Wales
Jodie is a writer based in South Wales with an extensive editorial background. As well as writing regularly for continuing drama and developing original ideas, she is writing her first feature film which received a development grant prize from the Attagirl global incubator. She is also on the board of directors and the script mentor for It’s My Shout, a training scheme which delivers practical, on set experience for underrepresented communities in conjunction with BBC Wales and S4C. Aside from being a writer, she is a sea swimmer, a surfer, a trekkie, and a Running Punk.
“Jodie’s that rare combination of wonderfully powerful storyteller and an insightful strategic team player. She transforms any team of which she's a part.”
Jon Sen, Executive Producer - BBC Studios
Samir Ahmad
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
As Head of Strategy at ITV, Samir is responsible for defining and delivering the Group Strategy of the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster and producer alongside the Management Board. He has recently worked on defining the proposition for ITV’s new streaming service, as well as planning the strategy for ITV Studios to grow its business with streamers across the globe.
Away from ITV, Samir works as an advisor to the Chair and Board of BAFTA. Notable projects include working on BAFTA’s Awards Review to improve representation and inclusion across both the Television and Film industries that led to 120 changes to BAFTA’s awards process.
“Samir is an outstanding thought leader: smart, pragmatic, passionate and empathetic. Highly collaborative, he relishes working with teams on challenging strategic issues. He’s already a role model for many.”
Dame Carolyn McCall - CEO, ITV
Nelson Adeosun
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Nelson Adeosun is a 2 x RTS and BAFTA Award winning Producer / Director who has produced shows for BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Hulu.
An alumnus of Channel 4’s Alpha Fund, Commissioning Mentoring Network and ITV’s Step Up 60 he has produced RTS Award winning Channel 4’s Damilola: The Boy Next Door, BBC3’s Bafta Nominated the Rap Game UK and created How Not to Be Racist for Channel 4 Online.
He also produced the documentary companion piece to Steve McQueen’s acclaimed Small Axe series Uprising which has won an RTS and BAFTA award.
“Nelson is extremely meticulous and proud of his output, and fully personally invests in whatever he touches. He’s a stand-out star.”
Tom O’Brien, Creative Director, Naked
Kaltun Abdillahi
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Kaltun is an ambitious Development AP who got her start in TV through the PACT diversity scheme which allowed her to make her dream move from Liverpool to London.
She loves working in diverse development teams, coming up with dynamic and interesting formats. Her previous credits include prime-time game show Gordon Ramsay’s Bank Balance and the upcoming female-led travelogue Trailblazers.
Kaltun is also passionate about improving diversity in the industry and started the diversity scheme at Studio Ramsay.
She loves sports and in her downtime, you’ll find her either watching her favourite football team (Man United) or playing cricket!
Kaltun is determined to establish herself as a commissioner that makes an impact through powerful programmes that transcend barriers, stereotypes, and biases.
“Kaltun has the perfect mix of an incredibly inquisitive mind, a tenacious nature and a great sense of fun and humour, she will go far!”
Lisa Edwards, Chief Creative Officer, Studio Ramsay Global
Claire Stephens-Lee
- Year: 2022
- Location: Scotland
Claire started her TV career as a Researcher before switching to production management. Now an established PM and trainee location manager, she has a broad range of rating topping credits for all the major channels & SVODs.
A South Londoner at heart, she now calls Glasgow her home after moving up over four years ago.
Between looking after two rescue dogs and being an amateur home baker, she also frequently throws herself in cold Scottish lochs for fun and volunteers at a local food bank.
“Claire is a fantastic Production Manager, she really cares about her team whilst skillfully managing all logistics and keeping everything on budget - no mean feat in these times”
Christine Saul, BBC Studios, Factual Entertainment, Production Executive
Maya Shickell
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Maya is Story Producer on ITV’s drama GRACE, prior to which she worked as a Development Executive, across scripted drama and comedy. There was a time when a career in scripted was a dream and she still can’t quite believe she gets paid to seek out exciting stories and help tell them. Before working in the industry, Maya studied Classics, drawn to the degree by her love myths and their origins, after which she explored the ancient world through novels and cinema for her Masters. She is passionate about championing new voices and loves working with established and emerging writers.
“Maya has a wonderful and generous spirited way of working with our writers. Her attention to story detail and ability to ensure every line in a script counts is impeccable!”
Patrick Schweitzer, Executive Producer, Tall Story Pictures.
Sophie Samuda
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Sophie is a Story Producer from the Midlands. Though Sophie studied Geography at university and loved learning about everything from volcanoes through to climate change, after leaving uni Sophie fell into BBC Continuing Drama and swapped maps and diagrams for scripts and stories. Having worked her way up in BBC CDS, Sophie has fallen in love with making hard hitting drama that appeals to the masses. Sophie’s ambition is to move into producing comedy and high-end drama.
Whilst watching and making television is one of her passions, Sophie also enjoys reading, gardening and exploring great places to eat!
“Sophie’ll be one of the key producers of drama over the next twenty years.”
Jon Sen - Executive Producer, BBC Casualty
Olaide Sadiq
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Olaide started her TV career in 2017, joining Twofour as an intern, progressing to Producer after 4 years. She’s London-based and grew up in a lively Nigerian household, played football throughout her teens, but always had a passion for learning other people’s stories.
With an enthusiasm for storytelling, she felt most at home on documentaries, and has worked on well-loved formats for major broadcasters, such as Educating Greater Manchester (Channel 4), Ambulance (BBC) and 24 Hours in A&E (Channel 4). She has since embarked on talent-led docs, working closely with Will.i.am last year on his documentary, The Blackprint (ITV) and recently completed an upcoming 3-part football documentary with Rio Ferdinand for one of the global streamers.
In her spare time, she tries in vain to explain to her mother what she does for a living!
“Olaide is extraordinarily talented, diligent, versatile, creative and a joy to work with. I have no doubt she’ll go far and continue to impress.”
Tom Currie, Executive Producer, BBC Studios
Rebecca Roughan
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Rebecca is a writer-led TV Executive. She is Head of Development at Imaginary Friends, the production company founded by showrunner Chris Chibnall, who Rebecca first collaborated with on the most recent season of Doctor Who. Previously she worked at 42, in production on shows for Channel 4 and Netflix and developing work that has been commissioned by Paramount+, HBO Max and the BBC. In 2018, Rebecca worked between LA and London as Creative Executive in 42’s new US television production team.
“Rebecca is exceptional: forensic, fun, rigorous, collegiate, and brilliantly nurturing of ideas and talent. As comfortable in production as development, there’s really no limit to what she can achieve”
Chris Chibnall, Writer and Executive Producer
Alexander Rodrigues
- Year: 2022
- Location: North West
Alex has been working in the TV industry since 2018, cutting his teeth at the then small indie Renowned Films, during which time he also co-founded the independent UK Rap label, VRBL Records. His work in TV, although being across mutiple genres, tends to bridge the gap between the TV world and the music industry, an endeavour that has only been cemented through his role at Warner Music Entertainment, which he joined in March 2022.
As a proud Indian immigrant Alex realises the importance of representation on and of screen and hopes to have a lasting positive impact on the way the TV industry deals with representation and diversity.
“Alex is a brilliant, talented AP. He has extensive knowledge in both digital and traditional content, with a really exciting future ahead of him”
Laura Collins, Executive Producer: Warner Music Entertainment
Kwabs Oppong
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
South London raised- Kwabs, is a versatile, passionate and driven Producer. Inspired by the Ghanaian storytelling tradition and a love of British documentaries. Kwabs’s first taste of the world of TV production was being trained by Mama Youth Projects.
Kwabs has worked on a variety of projects from spending a year filming in a school to filming in an American prison to most recently producing and edit producing a Netflix series about an American football team.
Whether on location, in the edit or developing documentary ideas, Kwabs thrives on telling the stories of underrepresented communities sensitively and creatively.
“Kwabs charmingly sticks to his guns & passionately lays out his creative choices. He’s respectful to his contributor’s stories & works incredibly hard. Talented, calm & resourceful – we will all be working for him soon.”
Louise Norman, Head of US Documentaries and SVP Special Projects at Raw TV
Archie Onobu
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Archie is a talented and accomplished Story Producer who’s worked across a diverse range of programming in the Factual genre. From series like “Future Firepower” & “African Masters” to “The Dressing Room” &” A Royal Team Talk: Tackling Mental Health”, there’s nothing he hasn’t worked on… well except Shiny-Floor shows!
When he’s not working on TV productions, Archie works as a freelance Videographer creating short-form content for a wide range of clients. His last project was a Stunt-Fight scene featuring two boxing coaches from the Rathbone Boxing club that he choreographed and filmed with Theatre Fight Director Kate Waters.
“Archie is a talented, conscientious and tenacious Producer who has the ability to make a real difference to the industry”
Martyn Smith, Executive Producer, Hartswood Films
Yasmina McNabb
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Yasmina is a versatile Assistant Producer who is skilled in both Development and Production. Gaining a reputation of being great at access, she has recently been responsible for a funded development for a military series.
Extremely personable, Yasmina can build a strong rapport with contributors and experts alike and has experience working on sensitive subject matters from sex work to crippling debt.
Driven by storytelling that celebrates marginalised communities, Yasmina’s production credits lie in factual and factual entertainment.
Outside of TV, she is an avid writer and is currently drafting a children’s book inspired by her daughter.
“Yasmina is a talented and versatile Development AP, capable of negotiating tricky access one day and creating an entertainment format the next.”
Ana de Moraes, Chief Creative Officer, MultiStory
Ceci Mazzarella
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
An alumna of The Network, Ceci has a wide range of experience in scripted development for both TV drama and feature film, having worked with award-winning writers, filmmakers and producers across the industry for over ten years. Currently in-house at See-Saw Films, she is excited to be across their growing slate of HETV Limited Series, championing cinematic vision in the TV space.
Outside of work, she continues to lose herself in stories, whether that’s TV, film, theatre or literature. She’s currently learning DIY via YouTube and considers ‘MacGyver’ to be the biggest compliment she has received on these efforts.
“Ceci is talented and hugely empathetic. She brings a wealth of experience to development, applying both heart and head to everything she does. Clear-sighted and creatively ambitious, she is an asset to any project. I count myself lucky to have worked with her ”
Katherine Bridle, Director of Content, Netflix
Nathalie Mayer
- Year: 2022
- Location: Yorkshire and the Humber
Nathalie is an assistant producer working across factual TV development and production with a passion for innovative approaches to storytelling from the North.
From developing formats to working on documentaries, she loves seeing programmes through from inception to production. Some of her recent credits include Yorkshire Firefighters, When Nirvana Came to Britain and digital series Boxfresh.
She is keen to find fresh ways of communicating untold experiences, challenging stigma and expanding expectations of regional TV production.
She is constantly making and in her spare time can be found taking photographs, upcycling furniture and hanging out with her cat.
“Nathalie is a force - eternally curious, diligent, and ambitious for herself, the company and Yorkshire's creative ecosystem. Have no doubts, she'll go far.”
Lucy Smith, Head of Development, Wise Owl Films
Khurrum M. Sultan
- Year: 2022
- Location: West Midlands
For over a decade, Khurrum has worked on international documentaries, dramas, and adverts. His first drama telefilm Insha’Allah (With Gods Will), was set in the slums of Karachi, Pakistan and screened at international film festivals. He pursued a Master’s Degree from the London Film School, specialising in drama. His recent directing credits include Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, and currently in production of ITV’s prime-time drama VERA.
Khurrum was nominated for the Edinburgh TV Festival’s New Voices: Debut Director Award in 2020 and was part of the Film London: Breaking the Glass Ceiling Cohort 2022, supported as a leader in HETV direction. Khurrum is represented by Nish Panchal and Sam Greenwood at Curtis Brown.
“Khurrum's background in documentaries means he brings a rare and powerful combination of rich lived experience, boundless energy and infectious joy to his work.”
Debbie Shewell, Producer, ITV Studios
Liam Jones
- Year: 2022
- Location: Wales
As Creative Director and Head of Social Media for IJPR Media, Liam manages a team of content creators across some of the biggest brands in TV drama, including His Dark Materials (BBC/HBO) and The Last Kingdom (Netflix).
Based in Cardiff, Liam is passionate about promoting Wales on the international stage for high-end TV drama, and has worked on unit publicity and digital campaigns for a number of shows shot in Wales for the global TV market, including Sky Original A Discovery of Witches.
In his spare time, Liam tries (hopelessly) to improve at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“Liam meets every challenge with enthusiasm and a creative solution; every avenue is explored and every day he brings a new idea to the table.”
Lachlan MacKinnon, Bad Wolf, Executive Producer
Grace Hetherington
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Grace is a dynamic Development Producer based in London with strong northern roots. She’s developed many programmes, from crime and investigation to formats about cooking with your nan, and recently was part of the events team for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. She likes to find inspiration for ideas anywhere, whether it’s overhearing conversations on the bus or letting her mind wander whilst swimming in her local lido. She’s keen to talk about breaking class barriers in TV and is on a personal mission to outrun her lurcher Rudy, which, at time of writing, remains inconclusive.
“Grace is a fantastic member of my team, creative, enthusiastic, highly motivated with great energy and positivity.”
Sarah Kerr, Senior Development Production, BBC Events
Marta García Aliaga
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Passionate, curious and tenacious – Marta is a Series / Senior Producer working on Documentaries and Current Affairs. She loves to ask questions and tell extraordinary stories with empathy.
Her most recent work has seen her investigate a world leader for a BBC2 series which will TX in fall. Marta has just had a documentary commissioned by the BBC and will be Producing and Directing it next. She has also made films for Frontline PBS, Channel 4 and Netflix. She’s particularly interested in women’s stories.
Marta has worked in over 20 countries and speaks 6 languages fluently. When not busy filming, she’s found rock climbing, triathlon training or walking her greyhound, Trevor.
“Marta is superb. Smart, thoughtful with great team and leadership qualities.”
Sarah Waldron, Head of International Current Affairs, BBC
Lucas Fothergill
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Despite his IMDb page claiming he has never lost possession of a football, Lucas adores *true* stories and documentaries that tell us something larger about ourselves.
Lucas is a British-Sri Lankan (BritLankan?) with eight years of storytelling experience across documentaries, podcasts and writing.
An assistant producer – with a background in journalism – he works across both development and production at Story Films. Lucas is also represented as a writer by the Curtis Brown literary agency.
He lives in London with his soon-to-be wife, where they enjoy as many lip-burning bowls of ramen as possible.
“Lucas is immediately impressive… He's creative, smart and tenacious… he's got a bright future ahead of him.”
Mel Bezalel, Commissioning Editor – E4.
Nosa Eke
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Nosa is a platform agnostic writer-director, who started out writing and directing scripted narrative episodic content for social media platforms which led to her attending the NFTS. She has been chosen for the BFI Flare / BAFTA mentorship and Network@LFF programmes, while also having her short film shown at both festivals. Nosa’s written an episodic narrative on the Amazon Alexa for the BBC and directed episodes of TV for Channel 4, BBC. She has shows in development with a few indies and her debut feature film in development with the BFI. When she’s chilling out, Nosa is either at a live music gig, skateboarding or going down a rabbit hole on TikTok.
“Nosa is a pioneering artist with remarkable versatility - and she’s a great storyteller. Her work is fresh, surprising, humane. The future!”
Ben Roberts, Chief Exec, British Film Institute
Amelia Wilson
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Amelia watched an extraordinary amount of TV as a child and, despite her dad’s grave concerns, never actually got square eyes. She has been working in TV development for six years and specialises in creating big, bold factual entertainment formats, having secured numerous exciting commissions.
Amelia is also experienced in casting and has credits on shows such as Take Me Out and Celebs Go Dating.
“Amelia is one of the most promising young TV developers in the industry. She is bursting with countless, genuinely original ideas and is brilliant at spotting and nurturing new on-screen talent. Her love of TV is infectious.”
Kate Pumfrey, Head of Development, Crackit Productions
Baby (Babi) Isako
- Year: 2022
- Location: London
Baby spent over ten years working with children as a teacher and balancing her passion as a screenwriter, before making the decision to pursue it full time. She is passionate about creating multi-generational dramas and has had the privilege of working with some of the best in the industry. She has been part of multiple big-budget writers’ rooms and continues to create opportunities for underrepresented communities, on and off-screen. She currently has a few original series/features in development and cannot wait to make her mark in the industry.
“Baby Isako is one of the UK’s future drama showrunners. Her gut for storytelling is impeccable and she is continuing to develop and grow as a writer and creative talent. She is passionate, empathetic, driven and always wanting to learn more. ”
Lizzie Gray - Head of TV at Blazing Griffin
Heather McCorriston
- Year: 2022
- Location: Scotland
Heather is a factual Assistant Producer whose career started with an apprenticeship in Channel 4’s Scottish Nations and Regions office. Heather has worked on groundbreaking documentaries including ‘Murder Trial: The Disappearance of Margaret Fleming’ (BBC) and ‘What Killed the Whale?’ (C4).
She loves developing ambitious ideas that she can follow into production and is passionate about telling stories on the cutting edge of science. It’s always her goal to produce stories that are nuanced and accurate whilst being utterly entertaining and accessible.
In her free time she loves paddle boarding and is always on the lookout for opportunities to watch wildlife.
“Heather’s enthusiasm and energy shines through in everything that she does. She is a rare talent in television and one to watch for years to come.”
Craig Hunter. Creative Director, Factual. STV Studios.
Sophie Mitchell
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
After completing the NFTS’s Script Development Diploma Sophie interned with Wildgaze Films. Since then she’s worked in development with Endor, Wall to Wall, Double M Films and freelanced for Channel 4, Red Planet, Studio Canal, Creative England, Mammoth, Big Light, and 42MP. She has script edited on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and most recently on BBC’s Holby City. She also runs a fringe theatre company.
Sophie’s dream is to manage a diverse slate. She cares strongly about finding and building the next generation of talent and developing projects that explore both the everyday, and the exceptional.
“Sophie is brilliant. She is organised, detailed and precise. Her reports were insightful, beautifully written and she clearly has good taste. She’s also charming and personable. ”
Eleanor Greene - Drama Executive, Wall to Wall
Natalie Mitchell
- Year: 2019
- Location: South East
Natalie spent ten years working with young people as a teacher and facilitator before making the decision to pursue writing full time. Her previous career highlighted the importance of authentic representation and access to the arts, and her writing has that at its heart. She is passionate about creating work for and about both working class communities and young people, and is currently working on a short film about the Tilbury- Gravesend crossing and a play for a prisons/school’s tour.
She’d love to establish a production company which focuses on telling stories from working class communities in Kent and Essex.
“She is a fabulous writer, inventive and collaborative with a fabulous sense of narrative. She's a superb talent.”
Tony Jordan - CEO, Red Planet Pictures
Mary Johnston
- Year: 2019
- Location: Northern Ireland
Mum-of-one Mary left a career in business to take a place on Aim High, Northern Ireland Screen’s sought-after traineeship for aspiring producers. She now works for Belfast indie DoubleBand Films making documentaries and factual programmes for Channel 4 and BBC across a variety of genres. Most recently she has been in the operating theatre for a hospital series, back at school for a history doc, as well as working on a feature length documentary on poet Seamus Heaney for BBC.
Despite the often-serious subject matter of her documentaries, Mary remains a smiley Irish woman who loves engaging with people and wants to make meaningful, award-winning documentaries with international reach.
“Mary is an inventive, creative and extremely hard working producer. She is a wonderful asset to our company.”
Michael Hewitt - Director, DoubleBand Films
Olivia Grigoriou
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
For the past 4 years, Liv has worked in Global Development at Fremantle. Part of a crack team of creatives employed as a remit-less creative resource, she supports and builds the company’s digital, branded and entertainment slates. Her experience and interests are accordingly broad, from developing original formats with Holland, Australia and the US, to producing book trailers for Penguin Random House.
Ultimately, Liv aspires to become the go-to creative for clever, cutting edge content. She also wouldn’t turn down a Webby.
“Liv is a rare balance of incredible organisational skills and supreme creative vision. Her thirst for knowledge and finger on the pulse attitude makes her an inspiration to be around. ”
Danny Rowlands - Vice President of Global Development, Fremantle
Sophie Fuller
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
From assisting on drone shoots around remote islands in the Pacific, to filming drug raids at 4am in downtown Newcastle, Sophie’s strengths lie in her ability to adapt to any environment. She has extensive experience of complex shows with a legal interest and thrives when working with sensitive contributors in hostile surroundings.
Sophie hopes to ultimately pursue a career in commissioning and direct some original ideas along the way.
“If you want a team player who has an excellent nose for character, works like a Trojan and is an all-round narrative machine, then Sophie Fuller is your person. I want her on all my productions”
Tim Whitwell - Creative Director, Shine TV
Alexandra Burke
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Having trained as a journalist, Alex swapped the world of hard-hitting local news to ponder the greater questions in life: what else can we get a bunch of celebrities to do on telly? After six years working across popular factual and entertainment development, her career pinnacle thus far was being a part of the incredible team responsible for The Circle and Race Across the World, fulfilling her hopes of creating truly original formats. Outside of telly, she is a veteran Glastonbury attendee and already has sweaty palms thinking about the next ticket haul.
Alex would love to create and head up an A-Team of development, making truly original, truly ambitious and truly ludicrous new formats to sell across the world.
“In a world of carbon copies, Alex is a true diamond of creativity, originality and “fanastic-to-have-in-the-roomness".”
James O’Reilly - Creative Director, Blast! Films
Sarah Breese
- Year: 2019
- Location: Wales
Sarah Breese is a comedy producer, writer and performer. Based in Cardiff, she started in TV drama, winning a BAFTA Cymru Award as part of the Titles & Graphics team (for BBC/S4C’s Hinterland, 2015).
In 2016 she moved to comedy full-time. Her recent credits include Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience, The Unexplainers, and Stand Up From BBC Wales (in which she also appeared). She is currently producing a 3×60′ Welsh-language stand-up series for S4C, and Welcome Strangers, a 4×30′ sketch series for Radio Wales. As a performer, she recently completed a second series performing opposite Sally Phillips in BBC Wales’ sitcom, Tourist Trap.
Her career ambition is to produce for an indie or in-house team specializing in scripted comedy, and develop sitcoms that compete with the best in the UK and internationally.
“Who?”
Rhod Gilbert - Comedian
Joanna Boateng
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Joanna is a tenacious and empathetic assistant producer who has worked with award winning directors, producers and screenwriters. She has a proven track record of accessing sensitive contributors from hard to reach communities and approaches every project with meticulous attention to detail.
She is drawn to productions looking at the lived experiences of people underrepresented in the media. Some of her recent credits include BAFTA award winning Grenfell for BBC1 and a series of documentary shorts on the history of LGBTQ people of colour for gal-dem.
Her ultimate goal is to produce award winning and genre-bending documentaries that represent marginalised people with nuance and depth. She wants to make films that make a real difference and spark conversations about the society we live in.
“Joanna is focussed at all times and demonstrates both strong editorial judgement and real sensitivity when working with vulnerable contributors. She’s a hugely versatile and valuable member of any team.”
Ben Anthony - Director
Hannah Blackwell
- Year: 2019
- Location: North West
Hannah loves nothing more than to explore new ideas, new places and get to know new faces. Her flair for story-telling and compassionate attitude really came to the fore throughout her time on Ambulance, and was developed when she also made her first film for BBC Three this year, Car Girls. Hannah’s ultimate goal is to make documentaries that make people think. Outside of work you’ll generally find her outdoors.
Hannahs overall goal to make documentaries that make people think. She’d also love to help run a company with a nurturing and respectful work culture.
“annah has the perfect mix of curiosity, charm and genuine care for he contributors that will make her a top class documentary film maker. ”
Simon Ford - Executive Producer, Freelance
Rosemary Baker
- Year: 2019
- Location: Wales
Rose started her career in community radio in 2012. She has since built a career in writing, shooting, directing and developing a broad range of factual TV. Flitting between production and development, she’s worked on everything from One Show family reunion VTs to big-brand living history.
She prides herself in having a sharp eye for things others might miss, as well as her empathy and ability to build trust with interviewees. She’s also a portrait artist and is fluent in German.
Rose would love to develop, write, produce and direct a landmark factual series which makes a lasting positive impact on viewers and contributors.
“Rose’s intelligent and insightful approach to development never ceases to amaze me. She’s conscientious, incredibly bright and perceptive and has an innate ability to craft strong pitch decks. She goes from strength to strength and it’s genuinely an absolute pleasure to work with her”
Nia Thomas - Managing Director, Boom Cymru
Jasmyn McGuile
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
In equal measure strategic and creative, Jasmyn is a Development Producer with a broad skill set. She has created formats, spotted talent, hung out with a thousand dogs and a hundred fire-fighters. Experienced across multiple broadcasters and genres, she’s been the brain behind commissions ranging from a primetime quiz show, innovative new formats and presenter led journeys. She has a particular gift for dreaming up the next generation of genre defining formats and factual entertainment hits.
Jasmyn has long aspired to work in commissioning and would like to one day become a Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment commissioner.
“Jasmyn is a multi-award-winning development professional. If only we gave out awards for development. When she becomes a commissioner she will shape the landscape of popular factual television.”
Mark Roberts - Creative Director, Firecrest Films
Patricia Ward
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Passionate about science and the arts, Patricia found her calling in specialist factual television. From popular consumer science to big budget documentary, she has an aptitude for understanding audiences and is driven by bringing new viewers to the genre.
Excited by the future of the industry her long-term ambitions are to be at the forefront of change, whether in a senior production role or starting her own company.
“The greater the challenge, the more Patricia is in her element. She has an exceptional ability to keep her eye on the detail while remaining totally aware of the bigger picture.”
Peter Lovering - Executive Producer
Naomi Walmsley
- Year: 2019
- Location: Scotland
Story telling is the heart of all of Naomi’s work as both producer and script editor and particularly elevating and supporting less heard voices and communities. Sea swimming, inept but enthused dancing and sitting down are all extra-curricular activities enjoyed alongside working in both factual and scripted programmes.
Her career goal is to keep emboldening new exciting stories in a space where creativity is supported by finance, not beholden to it.
“Naomi is a skilled multi-hyphenate who works hard to raise all our thinking to secure diverse creative talent, and ensure high production values throughout all projects.”
Arabella Page Croft - Executive Producer, Black Camel Pictures
Zaynab Lulat-Joshua
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Zaynab is a factual and fact-ent producer. She was born, raised and still lives in East London. She studied Politics at SOAS, and before entering TV gained experience in the charity sector, worked in retail and spent time travelling solo in different parts of the world. Zaynab has gained experienced in development, casting, and editorial planning. When she’s not working, Zaynab can be found attempting to master yoga and trying to keep her vegetable plants alive.
Zaynab’s ultimate career goal is to become a commissioner in factual programming.
“Zaynab is incredibly tenacious, motivated and organised. She has great editorial judgement and a winning personality. She’s a joy to work with.”
Martha Delap - Showrunner/ Series Director, Freelance
Hannah Horan
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Hannah is a freelance Producer/Director with experience working across documentary, current affairs and factual formats. Her credits include BBC One’s Panorama, Channel 4’s First Dates and BBC Two’s landmark series We Are British Jews.
She has a particular interest in character-led observational documentary and prides herself on her ability to develop strong on-camera relationships with sensitive and vulnerable contributors.
Hannah wants to continue to make films with a strong social conscience. Her ultimate ambition is to develop and direct her own BAFTA winning documentary.
“A real rising star. Hannah is a brilliant team player and leader who knows how to get the best of her contributors and tell a gripping story. She’s calm under pressure and absolutely lovely to work with.”
Lucie Kon - Executive Producer, BBC Panorama
Katie Hindley
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Katie is an experienced producer/director across broadcast, feature and commercial documentary. She made RTS -nominated Panorama’s Can Violent Men Change? following domestic abusers on a raw and emotional journey of rehabilitation. She went on to direct the BBC Teach re-versioning of Stephen Lawrence: The Murder that Changed a Nation.
With her innate ability to connect with contributors, Katie excels in getting untold stories to screen, and revels in meeting new characters with compelling tales to tell.
In the future, I want to be directing landmark series and singles and broadening access to the industry.
“Being an exciting combination of creative storyteller, brilliant with contributors and commanding yet calm in times of crisis, Katie is consistently regarded as a major asset to the projects she works on.”
James Rogan - Creative Director, Rogan Productions
Kate Heggie
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Kate first learnt the craft of creating new ideas whilst working as a PA for Kay Mellor at Rollem Productions. Kate is now a Development Producer at Shiny Button. Having joined at its conception, as a Team Assistant, Kate quickly progressed and has played an active role developing new and exciting voices for the company. Kate is constantly looking for unusual and, most likely, northern stories.
Kate aspires to set up a regionally-based Indie to produce Television across comedy and drama in her hometown Leeds, which can support and nurture new regional voices and stories.
“Kate has an amazing natural talent for spotting and nurturing what will undoubtably be the A-list writers of the future.”
Andy Brereton - MD, Shiny Button Productions
Inez Gordon
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Former BBC production trainee who graduated that highly competitive scheme onto the inaugural team at BBC Three, Inez is never afraid to take on many and varied roles. At BBC Comedy she AP’d Josh and This Country, creating their online content. She is now developing her own slate. In her spare time Inez organises comedy nights and will take 35mm photos and cry at your wedding for a small fee.
Inez wants to make big ambitious shows, increase representation in front of and behind the camera and to carry a tripod without trapping her fingers.
“Brilliantly original with an amazing sense of where the funny lies mixed with competence and people skills she must have stolen from an industry old-timer”
David Schneider - Director, That Lot
Poppy Goodheart
- Year: 2019
- Location: South West
Poppy is an accomplished Producer who has extensive experience in both development and production. She has worked on BAFTA-winning factual dramas, investigative projects, short-form content and specialist factual programmes. She is particularly passionate about observational documentaries and has recently worked on several critically acclaimed series, including Drugsland (BBC Three) and School (BBC Two). She is currently working in development for a new Bristol based indie and on a feature film project for Storyville.
Her ambition is to direct captivating, award-winning documentaries, telling previously untold stories with real heart, humour and humanity.
“Poppy is an expert in many areas of factual TV, including sensitive access, development and producing. She has brilliant editorial instincts and is an asset to any team.”
Sacha Mirzoeff - Founder and Creative Director, Marble Films
James Gandhi
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
James got his first taste of script development when he wrote for CBBC’s Dani’s House age 15. After a stint at university, he worked in development at Fremantle and then joined Mammoth Screen as a script editor across projects such as Noughts & Crosses for BBC and Vanity Fair and Fearless for ITV. He joined Studio Lambert as Head of Drama Development in 2019.
He wants to work with the best talent to tell great stories that provoke debate and hold up a mirror to the broad range of voices across the country.
“James has a wonderful can-do attitude which is backed up by an extensive skillset. Writers and other creatives are inspired by his methods and ideas. James has the potential to go further than an executive producer in his career. I think he has the potential to play a major role in our industry in the future.”
Susan Hogg - Head of Drama, Studio Lambert
Maya Amin-Smith
- Year: 2019
- Location: South East
Maya is a dedicated and creative shooting AP who is driven by a passion for telling stories with real social impact, and is skilled in gaining difficult and sensitive access. Recent work (School for BBC2, and The Line for BBC 3) has demonstrated her aptitude for embedding herself within communities and sensitively drawing out the stories of the most vulnerable.
Maya’s ambition is to become a filmmaker with a reputation for making intimate films that give a voice to the marginalized and spark debate.
“Maya is a brilliantly passionate and tenacious AP/director who has a real gift for forging relationships and telling stories. She cares deeply about the content she is making.”
Sacha Mirzoeff - Founder and Creative Director, Marble Films
Charlie Sullivan
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Charlie specialises in long-running drama, overseeing Fremantle’s eight daily dramas worldwide including Neighbours, working with production teams to ensure the longevity and success of our shows.
Charlie also has a keen interest in young adult content, leading a UK wide research project speaking to young adults, ensuring Fremantle creates impactful YA content.
Charlie’s career goal is to create and develop exciting, relatable content for young adults that is as bold and diverse as its audience.
“Charlie is a unique combination of the commercial with the creative - a first class analytical mind with a passion for data blended with a flair for storytelling.”
Sarah Doole - Director of Global Drama, Fremantle
Lucy Smith
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
From marijuana-smoking nuns to dogs saving Britain, Lucy’s development career has revolved around Fact Ent formats that raise the nation’s eyebrows. She has thrived in teams at BBC Creative Label, betty, Firecracker Films and now MultiStory Media, with credits including Gone to Pot (ITV), You Are What You Wear (BBC1) and a soon-to-be-announced Netflix series.
Prior to working in development, Lucy completed her MA at the NFTS. Her graduation pilot was subsequently optioned by betty and won Best Unscripted Pilot at the New York TV Festival 2017.
A passionate northerner, she always comes with Yorkshire Tea.
Lucy plans to move back to Yorkshire where she ultimately hopes to establish a Leeds-based indie exploring Augmented Reality formats.
“Lucy is that rarest of talents – brimming with ideas, a gifted writer, brilliant self-shooter and superb editor. There is literally nothing she can’t do.”
Ana De Moraes - Group Creative Director, MultiStory Media
Claire Sheppard
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Claire has been passionate about drama since watching Andrew Davies’ inspiring Pride and Prejudice at a young age. After completing a degree in Film Studies and an MA in Producing Film and TV at Royal Holloway, her first job in TV was at talkbackTHAMES. She then worked her way up in development at Projector Pictures and spent time script editing on Holby City before joining the team at Carnival to develop new and existing projects on the slate.
Claire’s ambition is to lead a development team creating prestige drama which promotes parity and inclusivity to inspire a new generation to enter the industry.
“Claire is an exceptional developer and a huge asset to our team. She’s empowering to writers and has fantastic insight; I’ve no doubt that she has a sparkling future ahead of her.”
Jo Strevens - Executive Producer, Carnival Films
Rubina Pabani
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Rubina is a digital all-rounder who can shoot, story produce and edit short-form, specialising in making factual content about underdogs. She has produced two series for BBC Three, has made documentaries in vertical at Barcroft for Snapchat and is currently making an Op-Ed for the New York Times.
She is also a co-creator of a new podcast for BBC Sounds called Brown Girls Do It Too.
She dreams of running a video unit that produces factual content that inspires like Akala, has all the sass of Yung Filly and creates meaningful impact like Greta Thunberg.
“If someone like Rubina was to get to the top, the media industry will be a much cooler, fairer and more dynamic place.”
Ruby Coote - Edit Producer, Barcroft Studios
Afia Nkrumah
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
A go getting, feisty, female director with a huge amount of passion and energy, Afia is currently in post production for the pilot episode of new TV drama A Place Of Safety, starring Harris Dickinson.
Selected for the BBC new talent Hotlist, Afia has directed BBC primetime continuing drama Eastenders and was second unit director on series two of Carnival Film’s period drama Jamestown for SKY/NBCU.
Currently developing several feature projects for film and television, Afia aspires to make distinctive, provocative and impactful high end TV drama for global audiences.
“A unique talent bursting with fresh ideas, Afia clearly and freely expresses her vision with actors and technical/artistic crew, who love working with her.”
Andy Hay - Director ( The Last Kingdom, Jamestown, Stan Lee's Luck Man)
Hannah Moulder
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Hannah perfected the art of tea making as a Runner before working in production and development at Big Talk, where she received a BroadcastTech Young Talent nomination. At Retort Hannah was across both series of BAFTA winning Chewing Gum, before joining Hat Trick as a Development Producer. She’s typically spotted at comedy venues across London, usually in a loud shirt. Hannah has a GSOH and WLTM fellow TV lovers that also enjoy a cheesy bio.
She wants to produce funny shows from unheard voices.
“Hannah’s grasp of scripts and her innate ability to connect with both writing and performing talent make her a stand-out young producer in the making.”
Jimmy Mulville - MD, Hat Trick
Zoe McGivern
- Year: 2019
- Location: Northern Ireland
Zoe’s background is in producing Entertainment, Fact-Ent and Lifestyle programming, having worked on award-winning shows. Her credits include: Celebs In Solitary (Ch5), Flinch (Netflix), Celebrity Meltdown (Ch5), Billionaire B&B (RTE), Snog, Marry, Avoid (BBC) and GMTV. Zoe took up the post of Head of Development at Green Inc Film and Television in 2018, where she has been developing ideas for UK, Irish and American markets, with successful commissions. Zoe is an RTS NI committee member and has mentored several up-and-coming talented individuals within the Northern Irish TV sector. She is also bilingual in Spanish and English.
Zoe aims to set up her own production company specialising in Entertainment, Fact-Ent and Lifestyle programming with an emphasis on unearthing and nurturing new talent. She aspires to produce content not only for the UK and Ireland but also Latin American markets, where she spent various years living.
“Zoe isn’t just brilliant at her job, she’s also brilliant at making everyone else brilliant at their jobs. She is just basically… brilliant.”
Kieran Doherty - Managing Director, Stellify Media
Natasha Jarvis
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Natasha Jarvis is a new director currently working on C5’s hit documentary series Our Yorkshire Farm. Her previous credits include high-profile series, including BBC2’s Hospital and BBC3’s Junior Doctors. She’s passionate about films that act as social commentary, and in bringing stories from the margins into public discourse. She has filmed on several international co-productions in remote parts of Cambodia, China and Tibet, and has edit producing experience.
Natasha’s goal is to direct and exec produce one-off documentaries for broadcast. She also seeks to play a role in supporting the industry become more diverse.
“At once patient, insightful and confident in her abilities, Natasha is a rare talent. With a keen mind for a story and excellent technical ability, she has a very exciting future.”
Jack Rampling - Series Director, Freelance
Bria Thomas
- Year: 2019
- Location: London
Having storylined and script edited over 120 hours of BAFTA-winning EastEnders, Bria recently swapped the mean streets of Walford for the meaner streets of Afghanistan, script editing series four of Our Girl. Curious, highly creative and an unashamed fan of a colour-coded story spreadsheet, Bria thrives on supporting and collaborating with writers of all genres. Work aside, Bria loves slam poetry, performance art and Italian food.
Bria dreams of producing award-winning, gritty, witty and distinctive drama and comedy drama, forging long partnerships with emerging and diverse writers.
“Smart, thorough, persistent, tireless and extremely patient! Bria has been completely indispensable. And I’m not just saying that because one day she’ll be my boss.”
Robert Troni - Managing Director, Various Artists Ltd/ Executive Producer, Our Girl